DMX arrested after court no-show

The rapper pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in 2002

US rapper DMX has been arrested in Arizona after failing to appear in court, pay outstanding fines and for driving without a licence.

The musician and actor was stopped at Phoenix airport after a flight from Florida where he was twice arrested for driving and drugs offences.

The latest arrest related to previous drugs and driving misdemeanours.

The 37-year-old - whose real name is Earl Simmons - was also arrested in May on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Police uncovered pit bull puppies, dog carcasses, weapons and quantities of drugs following a seven-month investigation after the discovery of several neglected dogs at his home.

Dog clothing

Mr Simmons initially evaded arrest by barricading himself in his bedroom, but eventually gave himself up.

Earlier that week he had been arrested for speeding.

The musician has sold over 20 million albums as one of the most popular stars of hip-hop in the US.

The cover of his last album, Year of the Dog... Again, which came out in 2006, featured him with a pit bull straining at the leash.

He also launched his own range of dog clothing, including caps, scarves and raincoats for canines. It was named Boomer 129 after one of his pit bulls.

The arrest came six years after a US court ordered DMX to make public service announcements after pleading guilty to animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.